mother nature is a man and other observations..

Vladimir Jurowski, Principal Conductor and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Piano.

There are those moments when music and art can overwhelm your emotions. Almost a sensory overload. I have always said how grateful I am to be living in New York City, where I moved ten years ago after my husbands sudden death. Having such a wealth of cultural activities to do has been one of my passions. To quote  a line  about the Rachmaninoff piece….”This is a memorable melody with a strong, simple harmonic outline, designed by Paganini himself as a theme for variations.Using this theme, Rachmaninoff creates a series of 23 of his own variations–an unusual application of the title “Rhapsody.” though this is perhaps justified by the freedom with which the theme is treated, especially in the latter stages of the piece.”  The conductor was born in Moscow in 1972. His passion for the music  was brilliant and the audience gave him a standing ovation and continued to applaud until he did an encore.  The pianist was equally magnificent in his passionate playing. The orchestra is recognized as one of the finest orchestras on the international stage. Quite a combination of talent and needless to say it was an exhilarating experience.

This piece is has always been one of my favorites. It was yours as well and we experienced so many times together. I know you weren’t with me in person, but your energy was and we did exalt together , but apart.

Living in New York City allows  me the joy and opportunity to experience and exalt in wonderful Carnegie Hall. Most recently Rachmaninoff, Symphonic  Dances and  Stravinsky, The Firebird. I certainly don’t pretend to be a music critic, and my enjoyment is far more emotional than intellectual. I don’t  know every nuance of the pieces, but according to the New York Times, I knew I was in for a treat. Just to be at Carnegie Hall is both a splendor and magical experience. The sound perfection wherever you are seated. For music lovers, I quote….”Rachmaninoff’s  Symphonic dances is his last major work, a dazzling three movement orchestral showpiece bursting with color and intense lyricism that weaves threads of Russian Orthodox chant with the harrowing  Dies Irae, resulting in a vibrant finale. Stravinsky’s  The Firebird, the first of the great ballets he wrote for Sergei Diaghilev  is cinematic in its vivid depiction of monsters and infernal dances and concludes with one of the most thrilling endings in all of music.” ….and then the brilliant conductor Sir Simon Rattle. When he took the orchestra’s helm in 2002 he initiated the Education Program to ensure that the Berliner Philharmoniker  reached a wider, younger audience. A special passion is to bring the work and music to young people from different social and cultural backgrounds.

Once upon a time, my memories of Carnegie Hall began with my husband. In ten years since he has died, every time I go, he is with me. His energy envelopes the Hall and gives me the feeling of listening to the music with rapture and sadness.  We held hands when the music touched us at the same time. The emotions evoked by the majestic sounds of the music are a gentle melding of memories  and missing…. But so forever  grateful to be in this place, in this city, with a dear childhood  friend, and rejoicing in the moment. Sheer joy!!!!

Remarkable Charles Aznavour at Madison Square Garden, New York City. His farewell tour. 90 years young performing, his beautiful voice for over two hours, and even dancing a bit. He did sit for a little, but most of the time moving and singing from his heart and  soul. Romance personified. Evoking vivid memories for me of another time, another lifetime ago. He sang in  French, English, and  Spanish. He introduced his song Je Voyage with a little story. An old man was sitting on a bench in Paris. He was sitting next to a young woman. She asked him what he was doing and he answered her…”I’m traveling.” Where to she asked?. “Through my memories” he answered. Then he asked her the same question. She answered that she too was traveling. “Where to he asked?.”…….To her future she answered. …………………………………………Our past…is past….Je Voyage….Thank you Charles Aznavour for giving the audience your talent for a magnificent performance…through my memories, forever.

Very excited about going to Madison Square Garden tonight to experience Charles Aznavour. Possibly his last tour. One of the most romantic singers from France, and hopefully most of his program will be in French. There should be no feelings of fear, Just sheer  joy in going. Things have changed though, and I feel frightened. Living in New York City , one has to realize we’re a target . I have learned to live with that reality, but not obsess .. If not, I would stay in my apartment under the covers. We don’t live in fear. If we did, then “they” have won. New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world, and yet……………………. If I lived in another state, I wouldn’t think of the possibilities. This is where power over  mind must play a part in my life. Over-thinking causes over-thinking. The presence of so many police due to high security should be comforting, but it’s the reverse for me. Going to such a large venue, and then next week to Yankee Stadium makes me apprehensive, and you can’t help but think. It just can’t happen, but sadly it can.

Madison Square Garden….evening of pure joy…safe and sound….

Charles Aznavour so mood evoking and brings back memories of dancing together. September 13th is a day of reflection and remembering to remember you, The two of us together… I remember you dear Barry with love, not sadness. Today you would have been 84. You were so young and vital at 73. Eleven  years ago. Missing you for the rest of my life. Celebrating today who you were and who you are to me today. Forever comforting.

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you….I could walk through my garden forever.”   Alfred Tennyson